#RNLI - Skerries RNLI rescued three men last night (Thursday 24 April) after their 30-foot fishing vessel ran aground on rocks north of Balbriggan harbour in extremely poor visibility.
The volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat shortly after 9pm with Rob Morgan as helm and crew members Emma Wilson, Stephen Crowley and Laura Boylan also on board.
The Dublin Coast Guard requested the lifeboat to launch after receiving of reports that a vessel had struck rocks north of Balbriggan harbour. The lifeboat proceeded directly to the area indicated.
Conditions on the night were calm with a force one southerly wind, though there was a thick sea fog in the area at the time and visibility was reduced to 1-2 metres.
Clogherhead RNLI's all-weather lifeboat also launched at 10pm after Skerries RNLI requested their assistance, given the possibility that a long and difficult search may have been necessary. Coastguard helicopter Rescue 116 and the Skerries coastguard ground unit were also tasked.
Communication with the vessel in distress was established through another fishing vessel. Along with the information relayed from the vessel, the volunteer crew used the radar and direction finder on board their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to pinpoint the casualties location.
The three men were taken on board the lifeboat where they were assessed and did not require any medical attention.
Clogherhead RNLI, Skerries coastguard and Rescue 116 were all stood down as Skerries RNLI returned the three men to the lifeboat station, where they were reunited with waiting family members.
Speaking after the call-out, Skerries RNLI helm Rob Morgan said: "Visibility was extremely poor out there this evening. The volunteers training really paid off, particularly with the radar and VHF direction-finding equipment. Thankfully we found them in time and it was a good result."